How do you know when it's over? - CrimeSpace2024-03-28T22:53:05Zhttp://crimespace.ning.com/forum/topics/537324:Topic:71086?commentId=537324%3AComment%3A71164&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI knew what the ending would…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-11:537324:Comment:715262007-09-11T20:23:01.554ZPatricia Abbotthttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/pattinase
I knew what the ending would be from the beginning. But apparently that ending is too abrupt for some readers. I like it but I can see such a dramatic moment being in the last paragraph may be a mistake. What I am adding may be detracting, but I think I'll write it and then decide. What I find myself writing is not tying up loose ends exactly, but it takes her to a point farther down the road. Thanks so much for the help.
I knew what the ending would be from the beginning. But apparently that ending is too abrupt for some readers. I like it but I can see such a dramatic moment being in the last paragraph may be a mistake. What I am adding may be detracting, but I think I'll write it and then decide. What I find myself writing is not tying up loose ends exactly, but it takes her to a point farther down the road. Thanks so much for the help. In my novels I began knowing…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-11:537324:Comment:715172007-09-11T20:18:28.235ZMichael Haskinshttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Irelands32
In my novels I began knowing the opening and what the ending would be and I have to work all the inbetween out to reach the conclusion. Sometimes I've read books that use the last chapter to clear up loose ends, but for me when I've reached what I knew I wanted the end to be, I end it. Of course, it's not that simple because character that were good, turn out bad even tho I didn't expect that, and someone I knew was the bad guy/gal just turns into the savior, but that's all stuffing, the end is…
In my novels I began knowing the opening and what the ending would be and I have to work all the inbetween out to reach the conclusion. Sometimes I've read books that use the last chapter to clear up loose ends, but for me when I've reached what I knew I wanted the end to be, I end it. Of course, it's not that simple because character that were good, turn out bad even tho I didn't expect that, and someone I knew was the bad guy/gal just turns into the savior, but that's all stuffing, the end is still the cooked bird. That's EXACTLY right, Patrici…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-10:537324:Comment:712052007-09-10T22:54:12.113ZJordan Danehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/JordanDane
That's EXACTLY right, Patricia. Jack Bludis and I were just chatting about this. Both of us have a feel for when a scene or new direction isn't right and we stop to think it through to make sure the character motivation works and makes sense. It's that gut reaction thing. And I am firmly convinced there are a 1000 or more ways to write any one story or scene or POV, so you have to make the best judgement call you can. Tap into your own instinct to know if your ending will ultimately be…
That's EXACTLY right, Patricia. Jack Bludis and I were just chatting about this. Both of us have a feel for when a scene or new direction isn't right and we stop to think it through to make sure the character motivation works and makes sense. It's that gut reaction thing. And I am firmly convinced there are a 1000 or more ways to write any one story or scene or POV, so you have to make the best judgement call you can. Tap into your own instinct to know if your ending will ultimately be satisfying for your readership. Such great advice. I think I'…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-10:537324:Comment:712022007-09-10T22:32:24.390ZPatricia Abbotthttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/pattinase
Such great advice. I think I'll write it and then decide. Sometimes the proof is in the writing. Thanks so much.
Such great advice. I think I'll write it and then decide. Sometimes the proof is in the writing. Thanks so much. I have some story arcs that I…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-10:537324:Comment:711882007-09-10T22:00:05.726ZJordan Danehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/JordanDane
I have some story arcs that I feel comfortable leaving as unresolved. Sometimes my secondary characters get away with murder, in other words. But for my main characters, I tend to want a satisfying personal ending for them. The reader has more invested in their storyline.<br />
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I equate this to the end of a good movie. Some movies that are action packed, you get complete satisfaction knowing your main character can walk away battered and beaten--and you don't have to know what he or she will be…
I have some story arcs that I feel comfortable leaving as unresolved. Sometimes my secondary characters get away with murder, in other words. But for my main characters, I tend to want a satisfying personal ending for them. The reader has more invested in their storyline.<br />
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I equate this to the end of a good movie. Some movies that are action packed, you get complete satisfaction knowing your main character can walk away battered and beaten--and you don't have to know what he or she will be doing in the morning. But for two people who have emotion at stake, you have to use your own judgement on whether you want to tie that up for the reader IMO. I read a Marcia Preston book called Piano Man where the main woman character finally gets the courage to find the man who received her dead son's heart after her only kid died in an auto accident. That book has an interesting ending that might be worth reading to see what you think of it, but for that story, the ending worked and felt real to me.<br />
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But if there is an emotional payoff for my main characters, I tend to give the reader all the emotional loose ends tied up--so far. But that doesn't mean I will always feel that way. I have what I call varying degrees of redemption in my stories and for some of my characters, it's important to come full circle, but for others, it may not.<br />
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Bottom line--it's solely your call and you have to rely on your gut instinct as a writer to determine when enough is enough. At some point, you have to get on to your next project. Like Eric mentioned about Conrad, you have to know when to walk away. I completely agree with you,…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-10:537324:Comment:711862007-09-10T21:57:04.755ZSandra Ruttanhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Sandramre
I completely agree with you, I.J. If you let the ending drag on and on it weakens the impression of the whole book. It was Sir Guthrie who told me your ending sells your next book. And I don't think an anti-climatic ending does a good job of selling the next book.
I completely agree with you, I.J. If you let the ending drag on and on it weakens the impression of the whole book. It was Sir Guthrie who told me your ending sells your next book. And I don't think an anti-climatic ending does a good job of selling the next book. I'm also not being much help.…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-10:537324:Comment:711832007-09-10T21:50:35.138ZI. J. Parkerhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Ingpark
I'm also not being much help. I rush endings because I don't like them. I particularly don't like the way many writers drag out the denouement so that I have start skipping pages. It is a distinct weakness in a book when it's not the middle that sags but the tail.<br />
Many of my short stories are rushed at the end because they're getting too long. With my novels I know when to make an end and, believe me, I'm ready to make an end. Now making the end good is another thing. Remember, it's the last…
I'm also not being much help. I rush endings because I don't like them. I particularly don't like the way many writers drag out the denouement so that I have start skipping pages. It is a distinct weakness in a book when it's not the middle that sags but the tail.<br />
Many of my short stories are rushed at the end because they're getting too long. With my novels I know when to make an end and, believe me, I'm ready to make an end. Now making the end good is another thing. Remember, it's the last thing the reader remembers. Far more important than that first sentence. Well, I know all the angst, b…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-10:537324:Comment:711642007-09-10T20:07:08.518ZSandra Ruttanhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Sandramre
Well, I know all the angst, but sometimes, you have to trust your gut. I originally had an epilogue for SC and removed it. It felt like overkill to me.<br />
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And I have no doubt about your future. Not one little bit.
Well, I know all the angst, but sometimes, you have to trust your gut. I originally had an epilogue for SC and removed it. It felt like overkill to me.<br />
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And I have no doubt about your future. Not one little bit. Good point. Thanks.tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-10:537324:Comment:711582007-09-10T19:57:47.964ZPatricia Abbotthttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/pattinase
Good point. Thanks.
Good point. Thanks. You've just gotten to a place…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-09-10:537324:Comment:711542007-09-10T19:56:45.841ZPatricia Abbotthttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/pattinase
You've just gotten to a place I haven't found yet.
You've just gotten to a place I haven't found yet.